Analytical Evaluation of Servovalves for Flight Simulator Motion Bases

This paper describes an analytical model suitable to study the effects of servovalve characteristics on flight simulator performance. The model considers flow non-linearities, servovalve edge sharpness, and lap conditions. The analytical model predicts the magnitude of the acceleration bump at velocity reversals. In addition it can calculate motion base terminal velocities from servovalve characteristics and load conditions. The analysis offers a powerful tool to optimize servovalve characteristics for best simulator performance.